If you collect Pokemon or sports trading cards, you may be interested in sending them to PSA to get appraised. PSA is a trading card grading company that does appraisals to let collectors know how much the cards are worth and gives them a rating based on the card’s condition. While PSA takes several types of trading cards, people often wonder if this company will accept error cards.
Many times an error card may show up in a pack, especially if the card had been printed and distributed before the error was caught. PSA will accept error cards for grading, and the error will not affect the card’s overall grading. However, there is a difference between error cards and misprint cards. PSA usually doesn’t grade misprinted cards.
Are you interested in learning more about if PSA grades error cards? You’ve come to the right page. Keep reading as we review everything you need to know about getting an error card graded by PSA.
What Is an Error Card?
Before we get into everything you need to know about sending an error card to the PSA to be graded, we should thoroughly explain what an error card is. An error card is a sports trading card that was printed with an unintended flaw. This could be a card with an informational mistake or even a design error.
It’s very common for error cards to be featured in a pack, as they get printed nearly every year. The value of an error card mainly depends on when the new cards were printed. A misprint could be as valuable as the correct trading card in some rare situations.
As mentioned above, PSA doesn’t grade misprint cards. A misprint card is when the card is incorrect due to printing and production errors. Some examples of misprints include missing or wrong sides of the card, wrong materials used, or other printing elements.
How to Submit Error or Misprint Cards to PSA for Grading
When you are submitting a form to PSA for grading an error card, you would fill out the same form you would for getting any trading card graded. However, you will need to bring it to PSA’s attention that there is an error on the label so they will recognize the card.
To bring this error card to their attention, note the error under the “Player’s name” or “Variety” section. This way, they won’t disregard the card.
If you are unsure if your trading card is considered an error card or a misprint, one of the easiest ways to get more information is to reach out to PSA customer support. You can also look the card up on the PSA card website. They have many helpful articles going into detail on some of the most common error cards, such as the Wayne Gretzky 1990 error card.
PSA Recommends using Card Saver 1’s when submitting cards for grading. To check the current price and availability of Card Saver 1 Sleeves, click here to view the selection on Amazon.
Is It Worth Sending Error Cards to PSA for Grading?
If you’re unsure whether your card is an error or a misprint, you may not find the cost of sending it to PSA worth it. However, if thousands of others of the same error card are printed, the PSA grading may be worth it. Many people suggest sending the card to PSA anyways to ensure it’s not a fake.
In certain situations, you may find a collector looking for a particular player to offer a decent rate for the card. They typically don’t care if the card has a PSA grading, and are more interested in the limited edition player card. If this is the case, you may be better off selling it than paying to have the card graded by PSA.
Related: Does PSA Grade Jumbo Cards?
Why Is the PSA Grading Important for Error Cards?
If you’re serious about your trading card collection and finding reputable buyers, it’s a good idea to send the error card to the PSA to get graded. This is because, on top of error cards, there are also a lot of third parties creating imposter trading cards. PSA will be able to inspect the card accurately to ensure it is 100 % genuine.
Certain clues, like a square cut or smudged ink, can indicate that the card is not authentic and was made somewhere other than the factory where trading cards are manufactured. This is why it’s important to get your trading cards graded by PSA before selling them to a collector.
Many thousands of error cards have been validated by PSA over the years. For the majority of error cards, if enough documentation is provided (as well as physical examples) it’s more likely to become validated.
Related: Is PSA Card Grading in Canada? Yes, And This is How to Use it
Are PSA Ratings Trustworthy for Error Cards?
The PSA is the most accurate organization for grading trading cards. This establishment is already aware of many error cards, with new ones being brought to their attention daily. Collectors can trust an error card with a PSA rating because they are the leader in card grading.
While the prices to get cards graded at PSA may be higher, the accurate rating is always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Error cards are extremely common in trading card packs, and new ones are printed each year. Even though error cards aren’t 100 % correct, some of them become valuable additions to a trading card collection. This is especially true with certain player cards.
Pokemon and sports cards get printed with errors so often that it now comes as no surprise to collectors when they find one in a pack. Regardless of the mistake, these cards can usually be sent to PSA for a rating. This rating will let you know how much the card is worth if you plan to sell it.
Most error cards can be graded, but misprints are typically not accepted by PSA. Once you get a PSA rating, you will know that the error card is also authentic.